Our Garnock Valley vision can inspire communities across Scotland
A unique approach to forging a new future for three North Ayrshire towns has picked up a special national award. Beith, Dalry and Kilbirnie are thought to be the first linked towns in Scotland to create a local place plan for a cluster of communities, rather than each working in isolation. The result of that […]
Award joy for Merchant City arts venue helping to transform lives
An arts venue which helps transform lives through creativity is being celebrated for the heroic impact of its work. The Boardwalk, operated by the charity Impact Arts, was today (Friday) named as the High Street Hero for Glasgow in the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2025. Award judges heard how the Merchant City venue was enhancing […]
Scotland’s Town of the Year finalists announced
The final contenders in the search to find Scotland’s Town of the Year have been announced. Communities from across the country were put forward for the honour as part of the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards. From those nominated, three have been shortlisted. They are: Last year’s first Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year […]
Thank you to everyone who supported Scotland Loves Local Week 2025
Scotland Loves Local Week 2025 was a tremendous success, with people and communities the length and breadth of the country championing the call for the nation to choose local. Now we need everyone to live that mantra the whole year through, creating stronger, more sustainable futures for the places that we are proud to call […]
We’re family – and local support for our business means everything to us
The family behind a popular restaurant have described the dedication and pride with which they serve their community – and how overwhelmed they always are by the local people who support them. Ashraf’s Indian Kitchen in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, is among those who have been championing the rallying cry for people to choose local as […]
Scotland’s Town of the Year: Meet some of the people who help make the place
People behind businesses in Scotland’s reigning town of the year say the nation needs to think local first. Oban lifted the top town crown in the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards after judges heard how townsfolk banded together to reinvent the picturesque Argyllshire community. And, as part of Scotland Loves Local Week (August 23-30), shops […]
Scots convenience stores highlight critical need for shoppers to choose local
The critical role of community convenience stores in boosting Scotland’s economy has been highlighted as part of a major drive urging shoppers to choose local. Politicians have been visiting shops across the country to champion the need to show them even greater support – protecting jobs and keeping money local for longer – as part […]
Kilmarnock building transformation hailed as town’s ‘best kept secret’
A recently transformed building which has helped bring jobs back into the town centre has been hailed as Kilmarnock’s ‘best-kept secret’ by the Leader of East Ayrshire Council. Councillor Douglas Reid praised the impact of Corespace as an important regeneration initiative when he met its new owner, local businessman and property developer Hugh Mulgrew, on […]
Dundee businesses get behind rallying cry to choose local
Businesses in Dundee highlighted the transformational impact of choosing local as part of Scotland Loves Local Week 2025. The message to think local first is reinforced in Dundee through the Scotland Loves Local Dundee Gift Card, which was relaunched in July 2025 to lead a renewed push to keep spending local, secure jobs and support […]
£4m and counting: Aberdeen City Gift Card drives local spend
More than £4m in sales have been secured for businesses in Aberdeen by people spending with the city’s local gift card. The major milestone – and the significant impact on the economy – are being celebrated as part of Scotland Loves Local Week. Businesses throughout the city are this week are championing the message for […]